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Teresa Payton, VG24

Biography

Dominican Republic
Ecology & Environmental Management
Universidad ISA, 2023

Why did you choose to pursue an MCM degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine?

I have always been very passionate about wildlife and working with animals. So, after studying Ecology & Environmental Management, I wanted to have a greater understanding of wildlife health and its connection to human activity. Because of this, I chose to pursue the Master’s in Conservation Medicine degree from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. 

What are your interests and/or experience relative to conservation medicine?

My senior thesis project focused on studying bird and insect diversity in rice fields in the northwest Dominican Republic. As part of our field research team consisting of biological and social scientists, I began to appreciate the interactions and interconnectivity of human, environmental and wildlife health in agroecosystems. This experience inspired me to study agroecosystems through the lens of One Health which encourages the exploration of healthy relationships between humans, ecosystems, and wildlife. 

What are your career goals after completing the program?

After completing the MCM program, I plan to pursue a doctorate degree in either wildlife ecology or wildlife medicine to continue expanding my knowledge of wildlife and its interconnections with natural systems and humans through the multidisciplinary approach promoted by One Health.